Average NFL Salary & Highest Paid at Every Position
We all are familiar with the billion dollar business that is the NFL and the massive amounts of money being made, but which position typically secures more money. This article breaks down the average earners at each position and will highlight the current top earning player at their respective position.
What position makes the most in the NFL?
The left tackle is typically paid the most on the team with a league average sitting at $10,878,305.
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Average Salary List by Position
According to sources, here is a list of the median average salary in the NFL by position. While there are outliers on the high and low end , this list focuses on the general “pay rate” in 2024.
- Left Tackle: $10,878,305
- Quarterback: $8,817,067
- Right Tackle: $6,341,105
- Strong Safety: $5,869,242
- Free Safety: $5,437,716
- Outside Linebacker: $5,165,598
- Inside Linebacker : $4,380,468
- Edge: $4,286,780
- Defensive End: $3,797,938
- Defense Tackle: $3,599,440
- Wide Receiver: $3,516,042
- LineBacker: $3,454,206
- Guard: $3,450,727
- Center: $3,098,976
- Kicker: $2,866,872
- Safety; $2,847,342
- Tight End: $2,805,837
- Cornerback: $2,757,388
- Running Back: $2,109,488
- Punter: $1,964,909
- Full Back: $1,961,489
- Long Snapper: $1,167,583
Does the Offense or Defense Make More?
On average, the offense makes more with an average median salary of $4,093,817 compared to defensive positions coming in at $3,451,262.
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Highest Paid NFL Player at Each Position
These numbers reflect the highest paid NFL Players at each position looking at 2024 average annual salary. Keep in mind that full contract details may account for more money in some cases.
| Trevor Lawrence | $55,000,000 |
| Jordan Love | $55,000,000 |
| Joe Burrow | $55,000,000 |
The quarterback market feels like it’s getting reset every year and this offseason has been no different. Eight of the top ten paid quarterbacks are making an average annual salary over $50 million dollars. The number one QB spot is a three way tie with Tua Tagovailoa as a close second with $53,150,000 average annual salary from the Miami Dolphins.
Teams are willing to invest heavily in franchise quarterbacks, often structuring deals with large signing bonuses and guaranteed money to manage cap space. The market is also seeing a growing divide between established stars and mid-tier quarterbacks.
| Christian McCafferey | $19,000,000 |
| Alvin Kamara | $15,000,000 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $14,000,000 |
The running back market remains volatile. While elite, versatile backs can still command high salaries, there’s a trend towards shorter-term, incentive-laden contracts. Teams are hesitant to commit long-term due to the position’s physical toll and shorter career spans. The franchise tag is frequently used for running backs, often leading to contract disputes.
| Justin Jefferson | $35,000,000 |
| A.J. Brown | $32,000,000 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | $30,002,500 |
Wide receiver salaries have seen significant growth, reflecting the NFL’s pass-heavy offensive trends. Top receivers are now regularly securing contracts worth over $25 million annually. Teams are valuing versatility, with receivers who can play multiple positions commanding premium salaries. The market is also seeing an influx of talented young receivers, potentially impacting future contract structures.
| Travis Kelce | $17,125,000 |
| T.J. Hockenson | $16,500,000 |
| George Kittle | $15,000,000 |
The tight end market is evolving, with versatile, receiving-focused tight ends seeing increased value. While not at the level of top wide receivers, elite tight ends are securing contracts in the $14-17 million per year range. Teams are placing a premium on tight ends who can create mismatches in the passing game while still contributing as blockers.
| Frank Ragnow | $13,500,000 |
| Ryan Kelly | $12,500,000 |
| Lloyd Cushenberry | $12,500,000 |
| Landon Dickerson | $21,000,000 |
| Chris Lindstrom | $20,500,000 |
| Robert Hunt | $20,000,000 |
Interior linemen salaries have seen steady growth. Top guards are now commanding salaries approaching those of tackles. Centers, while generally paid less than tackles and guards, are seeing increased value, particularly those who excel in pass protection and play-calling.
| Penei Sewell | $28,000,000 |
| Lane Johnson | $20,187,500 |
| Jawann Taylor | $20,000,000 |
| Tristan Wirfs | $28,120,000 |
| Christian Darrisaw | $26,000,000 |
| Laremy Tunsil | $25,000,000 |
Left tackles remain among the highest-paid non-quarterback positions, with top players earning over $20 million annually. Right tackle salaries are catching up, reflecting the importance of pass protection on both sides. Teams are investing heavily in tackles to protect their quarterback investments.
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| Kyle Juszyzck | $4,550,000 |
| C.J. Ham | $4,325,000 |
| Alec Ingold | $4,066,667 |
| Jaire Alexander | $21,000,000 |
| Denzel Ward | $20,100,000 |
| Marshon Lattimore | $19,520,000 |
Top cornerbacks continue to command high salaries, often exceeding $20 million per year. The market values shutdown corners who can match up with elite receivers. There’s also increased value for versatile cornerbacks who can play both outside and in the slot.
| Antoine Winfeld Jr. | $21,025,000 |
| Derwin James | $19,133,000 |
| Minkah Fitzpatrick | $18,403,059 |
The safety market has seen significant growth, with top players now earning over $18 million annually. Versatile safeties who can play multiple roles in the secondary are highly valued. Teams are willing to invest in safeties who can impact both the run and pass game.
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| Chris Jones | $31,750,000 |
| Christian Wilkins | $27,500,000 |
| Justin Madubuike | $24,500,000 |
Versatile interior linemen who can stop the run and pressure the quarterback are seeing their market value increase. Top players at this position are now earning salaries comparable to elite edge rushers, reflecting their impact on both run and pass defense.
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| Nick Bosa | $34,000,000 |
| Myles Garrett | $25,000,000 |
| Montez Sweat | $24,500,000 |
Its worth nothing that the number three position for average annual salary amongst defensive ends is a tie between Montez Sweat in Chicago and Danielle Hunter in Houston.
Premier edge rushers continue to be among the highest-paid defensive players. The market values consistent sack producers, with top-tier players earning over $25 million annually. Teams are willing to pay a premium for players who can disrupt the passing game.
| Joshua Hines- Allen | $28,250,000 |
| Brian Burns | $28,200,000 |
| T.J. Watt | $28,002,750 |
The linebacker market is diversifying. Versatile, three-down linebackers who excel in coverage are commanding higher salaries. However, there’s a growing salary gap between elite players and rotational linebackers. Teams are valuing flexibility and the ability to match up against modern offenses.
| Jake Elliott | $6,000,000 |
| Justin Tucker | $6,000,000 |
| Matt Gray | $5,625,000 |
Graham Gano is a close 4th making $5,500,000 with the New York Giants. From a fantasy perspective, he has been a personal favorite for the past few seasons.
Kicker and punter salaries remain relatively stable, with top performers securing multi-year deals. Long snappers, while essential, continue to be among the lower-paid positions. Teams are showing a willingness to invest in consistent, reliable special teams performers.
| Luke Rhodes | $1,616,250 |
| Zach Wood | $1,577,500 |
| Joe Cardona | $1,575,000 |
| Michael Dickson | $3,675,000 |
| Jack Fox | $3,516,250 |
| Tress Way | $3,412,500 |
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Overall Market Trends
- Guaranteed money is increasing across all positions as players seek more security.
- Contract structures are becoming more complex, with voidable years and performance incentives used to manage cap space.
- The salary cap increase is allowing for larger contracts, but teams are still prioritizing cap management.
- Positional value continues to evolve, with pass-related positions (QB, WR, OT, EDGE) seeing the most growth.
- Young, high-performing players on rookie contracts are increasingly seeking early extensions.
